Argentina prevailed against Italy in a duel between European and South American champions. The “gauchos” thus secure the Artemio Franchi trophy, which has been reintroduced after almost 30 years.
Almost ten weeks after the bitter end of the World Cup, European champions Italy lost the “Finalissima”. Captain Giorgio Chiellini missed a successful farewell from the national team in his 117th and last international match. The “Azzurri” lost 3-0 (2-0) to South America champion Argentina on Wednesday evening at London’s Wembley Stadium.
The goals for the “Albiceleste” in front of 87,112 spectators were scored by Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan (28th), Angel di Maria (45th + 2), who was last under contract with the French series champion Paris St. Germain, and Paolo Dybala from Juventus Turin in stoppage time. Chiellini was substituted for Manuel Lazzari at the break.
Italy clearly inferior to Argentina
After a 29-year break, Europe and South America played out an intercontinental title holder for the first time. The winner receives the Artemio Franchi Trophy, once named after the former Uefa President. The Italians won the European Championship last year by beating England 3-2 on penalties, also at Wembley. The Argentines around superstar Lionel Messi had won the Copa America by beating Brazil 1-0.
The Italians around the 37-year-old favorite Chiellini were clearly inferior. Argentina largely dominated the action, much to the delight of the numerous Argentinian fans. Messi in particular could have provided a higher result but was denied by his Parisian club-mate Gianluigi Donnarumma in the Italian goal.